U.S. patent application number 17/245444 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-12 for radio frequency-based repeater in a waveguide system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Raytheon Technologies Corporation. Invention is credited to Sanjay Bajekal, Goran Djuknic, Jonathan Gilson, Gurkan Gok, Brenda J. Lisitano, Joseph V. Mantese, Coy Bruce Wood.
Application Number | 20210250081 17/245444 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005553224 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210250081 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gilson; Jonathan ; et
al. |
August 12, 2021 |
RADIO FREQUENCY-BASED REPEATER IN A WAVEGUIDE SYSTEM
Abstract
A system of a machine includes a network of nodes distributed
throughout the machine. Each of the nodes is operable to
communicate using a plurality of electromagnetic signals. A
controller is operable to communicate with the nodes using
electromagnetic signals. The system also includes a plurality of
waveguides configured to guide transmission of the electromagnetic
signals between the controller and one or more of the nodes. A
radio frequency-based repeater is coupled to at least two of the
waveguides in the network between the controller and at least one
of the nodes. The radio frequency-based repeater is configured to
operate using power extracted from at least one of the
electromagnetic signals when a signal-to-noise ratio is above a
threshold, and the radio frequency-based repeater is configured to
use energy stored in an onboard energy storage system when the
signal-to-noise ratio is below the threshold.
Inventors: |
Gilson; Jonathan; (West
Hartford, CT) ; Mantese; Joseph V.; (Ellington,
CT) ; Djuknic; Goran; (New York, NY) ; Gok;
Gurkan; (Milford, CT) ; Lisitano; Brenda J.;
(Middletown, CT) ; Bajekal; Sanjay; (Simsbury,
CT) ; Wood; Coy Bruce; (Ellington, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Raytheon Technologies Corporation |
Farmington |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005553224 |
Appl. No.: |
17/245444 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16692119 |
Nov 22, 2019 |
10998958 |
|
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17245444 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02C 9/00 20130101; H04B
7/15528 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04B 7/155 20060101
H04B007/155; F02C 9/00 20060101 F02C009/00 |
Claims
1. A system of a machine, the system comprising: a network of nodes
distributed throughout the machine, the nodes operable to
communicate using a plurality of electromagnetic signals; a
controller operable to communicate with the nodes using
electromagnetic signals; a plurality of waveguides configured to
guide transmission of the electromagnetic signals between the
controller and one or more of the nodes; and a radio
frequency-based repeater coupled to at least two of the waveguides
in the network between the controller and at least one of the
nodes, wherein the radio frequency-based repeater is configured to
extract power from at least one of the electromagnetic signals when
a signal-to-noise ratio is above a threshold, and the radio
frequency-based repeater is configured to use energy stored in an
onboard energy storage system when the signal-to-noise ratio is
below the threshold.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency-based
repeater is configured to determine the signal-to-noise ratio and
cause power extraction based on the signal-to-noise ratio.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency-based
repeater comprises an antenna, a communication interface, a memory,
and a processing unit configured to execute a plurality of
instructions stored in the memory to boost a transmission
characteristic of a portion of the electromagnetic signals through
the communication interface and the antenna.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the communication interface
comprises a software defined radio.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the radio frequency-based
repeater comprises a power conditioning circuit, and the onboard
energy storage system is configured to extract and store a portion
of energy received from a transmission to power the radio
frequency-based repeater.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the onboard energy storage system
is charged based on detecting excess energy in at least one of the
electromagnetic signals.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency-based
repeater is actively powered based on detecting availability of a
power source.
8. A system for a gas turbine engine, the system comprising: a
network of nodes distributed throughout the gas turbine engine,
each of the nodes associated with at least one sensor or effector
of the gas turbine engine and operable to communicate using a
plurality of electromagnetic signals; a controller of the gas
turbine engine operable to communicate with the nodes using the
electromagnetic signals; a plurality of waveguides configured to
guide transmission of the electromagnetic signals between the
controller and one or more of the nodes; and a radio
frequency-based repeater coupled to at least two of the waveguides
in the network between the controller and at least one of the
nodes, the radio frequency-based repeater comprising a means for
extracting power from at least one of the electromagnetic signals
when a signal-to-noise ratio is above a threshold and using stored
energy when the signal-to-noise ratio is below the threshold.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein one or more of the nodes are
located at least one of a fan section, a compressor section, a
combustor section and a turbine section of the gas turbine engine,
and the at least one sensor is configured to monitor one or more of
a pressure, a temperature, a speed, a position, and a
vibration.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the radio frequency-based
repeater is configured to determine the signal-to-noise ratio and
cause power extraction based on the signal-to-noise ratio.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the radio frequency-based
repeater comprises an antenna, a communication interface, a memory,
and a processing unit configured to execute a plurality of
instructions stored in the memory to boost a transmission
characteristic of the portion of the electromagnetic signals
through the communication interface and the antenna.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the means comprises a power
conditioning circuit and an onboard energy storage system
configured to extract and store a portion of energy received from a
transmission to power the radio frequency-based repeater.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the onboard energy storage
system is charged based on detecting excess energy in at least one
of the electromagnetic signals.
14. A method of establishing electromagnetic communication through
a machine, the method comprising: configuring a network of nodes to
communicate using a plurality of electromagnetic signals, wherein
the nodes are distributed throughout the machine; initiating
communication, by a controller, with the nodes using
electromagnetic signals; confining transmission of the
electromagnetic signals in a plurality of waveguides between the
controller and one or more of the nodes; receiving a portion of the
electromagnetic signals in a first waveguide of the plurality of
waveguides at a radio frequency-based repeater, wherein the radio
frequency-based repeater is coupled to at least two of the
waveguides in the network between the controller and at least one
of the nodes; operating the radio frequency-based repeater using
power extracted from at least one of the electromagnetic signals
when a signal-to-noise ratio is above a threshold; and operating
the radio frequency-based repeater using energy stored in an
onboard energy storage system when the signal-to-noise ratio is
below the threshold.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the radio frequency-based
repeater is configured to determine the signal-to-noise ratio and
cause power extraction based on the signal-to-noise ratio.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the radio frequency-based
repeater comprises an antenna, a communication interface, a memory,
and a processing unit configured to execute a plurality of
instructions stored in the memory to boost a transmission
characteristic of the portion of the electromagnetic signals
through the communication interface and the antenna.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the communication interface
comprises a software defined radio.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the radio frequency-based
repeater comprises a power conditioning circuit, and the onboard
energy storage system is configured to extract and store a portion
of energy received from a transmission to power the radio
frequency-based repeater.
19. The method of claim 14, further comprising: charging the
onboard energy storage system based on detecting excess energy in
at least one of the electromagnetic signals.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein the radio frequency-based
repeater is actively powered based on detecting availability of a
power source.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/692,119 filed Nov. 22, 2019, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This disclosure relates to electromagnetic communication,
and more particularly to a radio frequency-based repeater in a
waveguide system.
[0003] As control and health monitoring systems become more
complex, the interconnect count between system components
increases, which also increases failure probabilities. With the
increase in interconnects, troubleshooting systems may not always
identify the contributing faulty components reliably when system
anomalies occur. Failures associated with such systems are often
due to connection system failures, including: sensors, wiring, and
connectors that provide interconnection (e.g., signal and power)
between all components.
[0004] Difficulties can arise when troubleshooting these complex
interconnected systems, especially when the systems include
subsystems having electronic components connected to control system
devices, such as actuators, valves or sensors. For example, a noisy
signal in a sensor reading could be caused by a faulty interface
circuit in the electronic component, a faulty wire or short(s) in
the cable system, and/or a faulty or intermittent sensor. The time
associated with identifying a faulty component quickly and
accurately affects operational reliability.
[0005] Detailed knowledge of machinery operation for control or
health monitoring requires sensing systems that need information
from locations that are sometimes difficult to access due to moving
parts, internal operating environment or machine configuration. The
access limitations make wire routing bulky, expensive and
vulnerable to interconnect failures. The sensor and interconnect
operating environments for desired sensor locations often exceed
the capability of the interconnect systems. In some cases, cable
cost, volume and weight exceed the desired limits for practical
applications.
[0006] Application of electromagnetic sensor and effector
technologies to address the wiring constraints faces the challenge
of providing reliable communications in a potentially unknown
environment with potential interference from internal or external
sources. Large-scale deployments of multiple sensors and/or
effectors with varying signal path lengths further increases the
challenges of normal operation and fault detection in a network of
connected nodes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0007] According to one embodiment, a system of a machine includes
a network of nodes distributed throughout the machine. Each of the
nodes is operable to communicate using a plurality of
electromagnetic signals. A controller is operable to communicate
with the nodes using electromagnetic signals. The system also
includes a plurality of waveguides configured to guide transmission
of the electromagnetic signals between the controller and one or
more of the nodes. A radio frequency-based repeater is coupled to
at least two of the waveguides in the network between the
controller and at least one of the nodes. The radio frequency-based
repeater is configured to extract power from at least one of the
electromagnetic signals when a signal-to-noise ratio is above a
threshold, and the radio frequency-based repeater is configured to
use energy stored in an onboard energy storage system when the
signal-to-noise ratio is below the threshold.
[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above
or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include
where the radio frequency-based repeater is configured to determine
the signal-to-noise ratio and cause power extraction based on the
signal-to-noise ratio.
[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above
or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include
where the radio frequency-based repeater includes an antenna, a
communication interface, a memory, and a processing unit configured
to execute a plurality of instructions stored in the memory to
boost a transmission characteristic of the portion of the
electromagnetic signals through the communication interface and the
antenna.
[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above
or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include
where the communication interface includes a software defined
radio.
[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above
or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include
where the radio frequency-based repeater includes a power
conditioning circuit, and the onboard energy storage system is
configured to extract and store a portion of energy received from a
transmission to power the radio frequency-based repeater.
[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above
or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include
where the onboard energy storage system is charged based on
detecting excess energy in at least one of the electromagnetic
signals.
[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above
or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include
where the radio frequency-based repeater is actively powered based
on detecting availability of a power source.
[0014] According to an embodiment, a system for a gas turbine
engine includes a network of nodes distributed throughout the gas
turbine engine. Each of the nodes is associated with at least one
sensor or effector of the gas turbine engine and is operable to
communicate using a plurality of electromagnetic signals. A
controller of the gas turbine engine is operable to communicate
with the nodes using electromagnetic signals. A plurality of
waveguides is configured to guide transmission of the
electromagnetic signals between the controller and one or more of
the nodes. A radio frequency-based repeater is coupled to at least
two of the waveguides in the network between the controller and at
least one of the nodes. The radio frequency-based repeater includes
a means for extracting power from at least one of the
electromagnetic signals when a signal-to-noise ratio is above a
threshold and using stored energy when the signal-to-noise ratio is
below the threshold.
[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above
or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include
where one or more of the nodes are located at least one of a fan
section, a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine
section of the gas turbine engine, and the at least one sensor is
configured to monitor one or more of a pressure, a temperature, a
speed, a position, and a vibration.
[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above
or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include
where the means includes a power conditioning circuit and an
onboard energy storage system configured to extract and store a
portion of energy received from a transmission to power the radio
frequency-based repeater.
[0017] According to an embodiment, a method of establishing
electromagnetic communication through a machine includes
configuring a network of nodes to communicate using a plurality of
electromagnetic signals, where the nodes are distributed throughout
the machine. A controller initiates communication with the nodes
using electromagnetic signals. Transmission of the electromagnetic
signals is confined in a plurality of waveguides between the
controller and one or more of the nodes. A portion of the
electromagnetic signals in a first waveguide of the plurality of
waveguides is received at a radio frequency-based repeater, where
the radio frequency-based repeater is coupled to at least two of
the waveguides in the network between the controller and at least
one of the nodes. The radio frequency-based repeater is operated
using power extracted from at least one of the electromagnetic
signals when a signal-to-noise ratio is above a threshold and using
energy stored in an onboard energy storage system when the
signal-to-noise ratio is below the threshold.
[0018] A technical effect of the apparatus, systems and methods is
achieved by using one or more radio frequency-based repeaters in a
waveguide system as described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting
in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like
elements are numbered alike:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a gas turbine engine as
an example of a machine;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a guided electromagnetic
transmission network in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a communication path through
waveguides including a radio frequency-based repeater configured as
an active repeater in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a communication path through
waveguides including a radio frequency-based repeater configured as
a passive repeater in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a radio frequency-based
repeater in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a node of a guided
electromagnetic transmission network in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure; and
[0026] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method in accordance
with an embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the
disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of
exemplification and not limitation with reference to the
Figures.
[0028] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are related to
electromagnetic communication through and to components of a
machine. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a gas turbine engine 20
as one example of a machine as further described herein. The gas
turbine engine 20 is depicted as a two-spool turbofan that
generally incorporates a fan section 22, a compressor section 24, a
combustor section 26 and a turbine section 28. Alternative engines
may include an augmentor section (not shown) among other systems or
features. The fan section 22 drives air along a bypass flow path B
in a bypass duct to provide a majority of the thrust, while the
compressor section 24 drives air along a core flow path C for
compression and communication into the combustor section 26 then
expansion through the turbine section 28. Although depicted as a
two-spool turbofan gas turbine engine in the disclosed non-limiting
embodiment, it should be understood that the concepts described
herein are not limited to use with two-spool turbofans as the
teachings may be applied to other types of turbine engines
including three-spool architectures or any other machine that
requires sensors to operate with similar environmental challenges
or constraints. Additionally, the concepts described herein may be
applied to any machine or system comprised of control and/or health
monitoring systems. Examples can include various moderate to high
temperature environments, such as glass and metal forming systems,
petroleum-oil-and-gas (POG) systems, ground-based turbine for
energy generation, nuclear power systems, and transportation
systems.
[0029] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary engine 20
generally includes a low speed spool 30 and a high speed spool 32
mounted for rotation about an engine central longitudinal axis A
relative to an engine static structure 36 via several bearing
systems 38. It should be understood that various bearing systems 38
at various locations may alternatively or additionally be provided,
and the location of bearing systems 38 may be varied as appropriate
to the application.
[0030] The low speed spool 30 generally includes an inner shaft 40
that interconnects a fan 42, a first (or low) pressure compressor
44 and a first (or low) pressure turbine 46. The inner shaft 40 is
connected to the fan 42 through a speed change mechanism, which in
exemplary gas turbine engine 20 is illustrated as a geared
architecture 48 to drive the fan 42 at a lower speed than the low
speed spool 30. The high speed spool 32 includes an outer shaft 50
that interconnects a second (or high) pressure compressor 52 and a
second (or high) pressure turbine 54. A combustor 56 is arranged in
exemplary gas turbine engine 20 between the high pressure
compressor 52 and the high pressure turbine 54. A mid-turbine frame
58 of the engine static structure 36 is arranged generally between
the high pressure turbine 54 and the low pressure turbine 46. The
mid-turbine frame 58 further supports bearing systems 38 in the
turbine section 28. The inner shaft 40 and the outer shaft 50 are
concentric and rotate via bearing systems 38 about the engine
central longitudinal axis A which is collinear with their
longitudinal axes.
[0031] The core airflow is compressed by the low pressure
compressor 44 then the high pressure compressor 52, mixed and
burned with fuel in the combustor 56, then expanded over the high
pressure turbine 54 and low pressure turbine 46. The mid-turbine
frame 58 includes airfoils 60 which are in the core airflow path C.
The turbines 46, 54 rotationally drive the respective low speed
spool 30 and high speed spool 32 in response to the expansion. It
will be appreciated that each of the positions of the fan section
22, compressor section 24, combustor section 26, turbine section
28, and fan drive gear system 48 may be varied. For example, gear
system 48 may be located aft of combustor section 26 or even aft of
turbine section 28, and fan section 22 may be positioned forward or
aft of the location of gear system 48. In direct drive
configurations, the gear system 48 can be omitted.
[0032] The engine 20 in one example is a high-bypass geared
aircraft engine. Low pressure turbine 46 pressure ratio is pressure
measured prior to inlet of low pressure turbine 46 as related to
the pressure at the outlet of the low pressure turbine 46 prior to
an exhaust nozzle. A significant amount of thrust can be provided
by the bypass flow B due to the high bypass ratio. The example low
pressure turbine 46 can provide the driving power to rotate the fan
section 22 and therefore the relationship between the number of
turbine rotors 34 in the low pressure turbine 46 and the number of
blades in the fan section 22 can establish increased power transfer
efficiency.
[0033] The disclosed example gas turbine engine 20 includes a
control and health monitoring system 64 (generally referred to as
system 64) utilized to monitor component performance and function.
The system 64 includes a network 65, which is an example of a
guided electromagnetic transmission network. The network 65
includes a controller 66 operable to communicate with nodes 68a,
68b through electromagnetic signals. The nodes 68a, 68b can be
distributed throughout the gas turbine engine 20 or other such
machine. Node 68a is an example of an effector node that can drive
one or more effectors/actuators of the gas turbine engine 20. Node
68b is an example of a sensor node that can interface with one or
more sensors of the gas turbine engine 20. Nodes 68a, 68b can
include processing support circuitry to transmit/receive
electromagnetic signals between sensors or effectors and the
controller 66. A coupler 67 can be configured as a splitter between
a waveguide 70 coupled to the controller 66 and waveguides 71 and
72 configured to establish guided electromagnetic transmission
communication with nodes 68a and 68b respectively. The coupler 67
can be a simple splitter or may include a repeater function to
condition electromagnetic signals sent between the controller 66
and nodes 68a, 68b. In the example of FIG. 1, a radio
frequency-based repeater 76 is interposed between the coupler 67
and node 68b, where waveguide 72 is a first waveguide coupled to
the coupler 67 and radio frequency-based repeater 76, and waveguide
73 is a second waveguide coupled to the radio frequency-based
repeater 76 and node 68b. Collectively, waveguides 70, 71, 72, 73
are configured to guide transmission of the electromagnetic signals
between the controller 66 and one or more of the nodes 68a, 68b.
The transmission media within waveguides 70-73 may include
dielectric or gaseous material. The disclosed system 64 may be
utilized to control and/or monitor any component function or
characteristic of a turbomachine, aircraft component operation,
and/or other machines.
[0034] Prior control & diagnostic system architectures utilized
in various applications include centralized system architecture in
which the processing functions reside in an electronic control
module. Redundancy to accommodate failures and continue system
operation systems can be provided with dual channels with
functionality replicated in both control channels. Actuator and
sensor communication is accomplished through analog wiring for
power, command, position feedback, sensor excitation and sensor
signals. Cables and connections include shielding to minimize
effects caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI). The use of
analog wiring and the required connections limits application and
capability of such systems due to the ability to locate wires,
connectors and electronics in small and harsh environments that
experience extremes in temperature, pressure, and/or vibration.
Exemplary embodiments can use radio frequencies confined to
waveguides 70-73 in a guided electromagnetic transmission
architecture to provide both electromagnetic signals and power to
the individual elements of the network 65. One or more instances of
the radio frequency-based repeater 76 can propagate signal and
power to extend the network 65 with higher than normal loss
elements.
[0035] The radio frequency-based repeater 76 can provide a number
of functions, such as band limiting acquired noise as an
electromagnetic signal is transmitted through waveguides 72-73,
boosting a digital signal-to-noise (SNR), boosting an analog signal
level power, and refocusing transmission through a directed
antenna. In various embodiments, the radio frequency-based repeater
76 can either be actively powered through a supplemental active
power source, such as fixed "wired" leads, or powered by radio
frequency rectification of a continuous electromagnetic wave, and
thus self-powered. Multiple instances of the radio frequency-based
repeater 76 can be cascaded within the network 65 to account for
parasitic losses and boost SNR level. The radio frequency-based
repeater 76 thus filters out-of-band coherent and incoherent noise
that could potentially disrupt communications or device
performance. The radio frequency-based repeater 76 can also be used
to refocus electromagnetic energy in the form of radio frequency
along the center of the waveguides 72-73 to reduce additional
parasitic losses.
[0036] The use of electromagnetic radiation in the form of radio
waves (MHz to GHz) to communicate and power the sensors and
effectors using a traditionally complex wired system enables
substantial architectural simplification, especially as it pertains
to size, weight, and power (SWaP). Embodiments of the invention
enable extension of a network where reduced SNR would compromise
network performance by trading off data rates for an expansion of
the number of nodes and distribution lines; thereby enabling more
nodes/sensors, with greater interconnectivity.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, a guided electromagnetic transmission
network 100 is depicted as an example expansion of the network 65
of FIG. 1. The guided electromagnetic transmission network 100 can
include the controller 66 coupled to coupler 67 through waveguide
170. The coupler 67 is further coupled to coupler 67a through
waveguide 171 and to coupler 67b through waveguide 172. Couper 67a
is further coupled to three nodes 68a through waveguides 173a,
173b, 173c in parallel. Each of the nodes 68a can interface or be
combined with multiple effectors 102. Coupler 67b is also coupled
to two nodes 68b through waveguides 174a, 174b in parallel. Each of
the nodes 68b can interface or be combined with multiple sensors
104. Although the example of FIG. 2 depicts connections to
effectors 102 and sensors 104 isolated to different branches, it
will be understood that effectors 102 and sensors 104 can be
interspersed with each other and need not be isolated on dedicated
branches of the guided electromagnetic transmission network 100.
Couplers 67, 67a, 67b can be splitters and/or can incorporate
instances of the radio frequency-based repeater 76 of FIG. 1.
Further, one or more instances of the radio frequency-based
repeater 76 can be installed at any of the waveguides 170, 171,
172, 173a-c, and/or 174a-b depending on the signal requirements of
the guided electromagnetic transmission network 100.
[0038] Nodes 68a, 68b can be associated with particular engine
components, actuators or any other machine part from which
information and communication is performed for monitoring and/or
control purposes. The nodes 68a, 68b may contain a single or
multiple electronic circuits or sensors configured to communicate
over the guided electromagnetic transmission network 100.
[0039] The controller 66 can send and receive power and data to and
from the nodes 68a, 68b. The controller 66 may be located on
equipment near other system components or located remotely as
desired to meet application requirements.
[0040] A transmission path (TP) between the controller 66 and nodes
68a, 68b can be used to send and receive data routed through the
controller 66 from a control module or other components. The TP may
utilize electrical wire, optic fiber, waveguide or any other
electromagnetic communication including radio frequency/microwave
electromagnetic energy, visible or non-visible light. The interface
between the controller 66 and nodes 68a, 68b can transmit power and
signals.
[0041] The example nodes 68a, 68b may include radio-frequency
identification (RFID) devices along with processing, memory and/or
the interfaces to connect to conventional sensors or effectors,
such as solenoids or electro-hydraulic servo valves. The waveguides
170, 171, 172, 173a-c, and/or 174a-b can be shielded paths that
support electromagnetic communication, including, for instance,
radio frequency, microwaves, magnetic or optic waveguide
transmission. Shielding can be provided such that electromagnetic
energy or light interference 85 with electromagnetic signals 86
(shown schematically as arrows) are mitigated in the guided
electromagnetic transmission network 100. Moreover, the shielding
provides that the electromagnetic signals 86 are less likely to
propagate into the environment outside the guided electromagnetic
transmission network 100 and enable unauthorized access to
information. In some embodiments, confined electromagnetic
radiation is in the range 1-100 GHz. Electromagnetic radiation can
be more tightly confined around specific carrier frequencies, such
as 3-4.5 GHz, 24 GHz, 60 GHz, or 76-77 GHz as examples in the
microwave spectrum. A carrier frequency can transmit electric
power, as well as communicate information, to multiple nodes 68a,
68b using various modulation and signaling techniques.
[0042] The nodes 68a with effectors 102 may include control
devices, such as a solenoid, switch or other physical actuation
devices. RFID, electromagnetic or optical devices implemented as
the nodes 68b with sensors 104 can provide information indicative
of a physical parameter, such as pressure, temperature, speed,
proximity, vibration, identification, and/or other parameters used
for identifying, monitoring or controlling component operation.
Signals communicated in the guided electromagnetic transmission
network 100 may employ techniques such as checksums, hash
algorithms, error control algorithms and/or encryption to mitigate
cyber security threats and interference.
[0043] The shielding in the guided electromagnetic transmission
network 100 can be provided such that power and communication
signals are shielded from outside interference, which may be caused
by environmental electromagnetic or optic interference. Moreover,
the shielding prevents intentional interference 85 with
communication at each component. Intentional interference 85 may
take the form of unauthorized data capture, data insertion, general
disruption and/or any other action that degrades system
communication. Environmental sources of interference 85 may
originate from noise generated from proximate electrical systems in
other components or machinery along with electrostatic and magnetic
fields, and/or any broadcast signals from transmitters or
receivers. Additionally, pure environmental phenomena, such as
cosmic radio frequency radiation, lightning or other atmospheric
effects, could interfere with local electromagnetic
communications.
[0044] It should be appreciated that while the system 64 is
explained by way of example with regard to a gas turbine engine 20,
other machines and machine designs can be modified to incorporate
built-in shielding for each monitored or controlled components to
enable the use of a guided electromagnetic transmission network.
For example, the system 64 can be incorporated in a variety of
harsh environment machines, such as an elevator system, heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, manufacturing and
processing equipment, a vehicle system, an environmental control
system, and all the like. As a further example, the system 64 can
be incorporated in an aerospace system, such as an aircraft,
rotorcraft, spacecraft, satellite, or the like. The disclosed
system 64 includes the network 65, 100 that enables consistent
communication with electromagnetic devices, such as the example
nodes 68a, 68b, and removes variables encountered with
electromagnetic communications such as distance between
transmitters and receiving devices, physical geometry in the field
of transmission, control over transmission media such as air or
fluids, control over air or fluid contamination through the use of
filtering or isolation and knowledge of temperature and
pressure.
[0045] The system 64 provides for a reduction in cable and
interconnecting systems to reduce cost and increases reliability by
reducing the number of physical interconnections. Reductions in
cable and connecting systems further provides for a reduction in
weight while enabling additional redundancy without significantly
increasing cost. Moreover, additional sensors can be added without
the need for additional wiring and connections that provide for
increased system accuracy and response. Finally, the embodiments
enable a "plug-n-play" approach to add a new node, potentially
without a requalification of the entire system but only the new
component; thereby greatly reducing qualification costs and
time.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a communication path 200
through waveguides 202 and 204 including a radio frequency-based
repeater 76a configured as an active repeater. The communication
path 200 can be part of network 65, 100, or another guided
electromagnetic transmission network. The radio frequency-based
repeater 76a is an example of the radio frequency-based repeater 76
of FIG. 1 powered by a power source 206 other than energy received
from a transmission on waveguides 202, 204. For example, the power
source 206 can be a battery, a super-capacitor, an ultra-capacitor,
or other source of electrical power. In the example of FIG. 3,
electromagnetic signals can propagate in the waveguides 202, 204
between a source node 208 and a node 68. Source node 208 can be the
controller 66 of FIGS. 1 and 2 or a coupler, such as coupler 67,
67a, 67b of FIG. 2. As a further example, the source node 208 can
be another instance of repeater 76 in a cascaded configuration. The
node 68 can be a node 68a, 68b of FIGS. 1 and 2, which may include
or be further coupled to one or more effectors 102 or sensors 104
of FIG. 2. The radio frequency-based repeater 76a can use power
from the power source 206 to boost a transmission characteristic of
a portion of the electromagnetic signals in one of the waveguides
202, 204. For instance, if communication is from source node 208 to
node 68, the radio frequency-based repeater 76a can receive a
portion of electromagnetic signals from source node 208 in
waveguide 202 as a first waveguide and boost a transmission
characteristic of the portion of the electromagnetic signals in
waveguide 204 as a second waveguide. Thus, the portion of the
electromagnetic signals received at node 68 can be improved with an
increased digital signal-to-noise ratio, an increased analog signal
power level, and/or a refocused transmission through waveguide 204
for reduced noise/parasitic effects. Although the example of FIG. 3
depicts a 2-port configuration to support connections with two
waveguides 202, 204, it will be understood that additional ports
can be added to further split transmissions in multiple waveguides,
such as the configuration of couplers 67, 67a, 67b of FIG. 2 and
beyond.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a communication path 250
through waveguides 202 and 204 including a radio frequency-based
repeater 76b configured as a passive repeater. The communication
path 250 can be part of network 65, 100, or another guided
electromagnetic transmission network. The radio frequency-based
repeater 76b is an example of the radio frequency-based repeater 76
of FIG. 1 powered by a power extraction circuit 252. The power
extraction circuit 252 extracts power from electromagnetic
transmissions in waveguide 202 to provide power to circuitry of the
radio frequency-based repeater 76b. The power extraction circuit
252 can be a passive rectifier including a diode 254 in series with
a capacitor 256 and ground 258. For example, the power extraction
circuit 252 can be a half-wave rectifier that extracts power from
electromagnetic signals received in a first waveguide 202 while
also boosting a transmission characteristic of the portion of the
electromagnetic signals in a second waveguide 204, where
electromagnetic signals propagate in the waveguides 202, 204
between a source node 208 and a node 68.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the radio frequency-based
repeater 76b depicted in greater detail. The radio frequency-based
repeater 76b can include an antenna 260, a communication interface
262, a memory 264, and a processing unit 266 configured to execute
a plurality of instructions stored in the memory 264 to boost a
transmission characteristic of a portion of electromagnetic signals
through the communication interface 262 and the antenna 260. The
antenna 260 can be a directional antenna and may include impedance
matching to an interfacing environment, e.g., a waveguide medium of
waveguides 202, 204 of FIG. 4. The communication interface 262 can
be a software defined radio or other protocol to support
communication using electromagnetic signals. The memory 264 may
include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or
other electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other computer readable
medium onto which is stored data and algorithms in a non-transitory
form. The processing unit 266 can be any type or combination of
central processing unit (CPU), including one or more of: a
microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a
microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like supported in
the expected operating environment of the radio frequency-based
repeater 76b.
[0049] The radio frequency-based repeater 76b can also include a
power conditioning circuit 270 and an onboard energy storage system
272 configured to extract and store a portion of energy received
from a transmission to power the radio frequency-based repeater
76b. For example, where the available power in electromagnetic
signals received in waveguide 202 of FIG. 4 is low or intermittent,
energy stored in the onboard energy storage system 272 can be used
to power the radio frequency-based repeater 76b. When excess energy
is available in the electromagnetic signals received in waveguide
202, the onboard energy storage system 272 can be recharged. The
onboard energy storage system 272 may include a battery, a
super-capacitor, an ultra-capacitor, or other source of electrical
power.
[0050] The radio frequency-based repeater 76b can be configured to
operate using power extracted from transmissions based on
determining that a signal-to-noise ratio is above a threshold such
that signal quality is not substantially degraded by extracting
energy from the transmissions. The radio frequency-based repeater
76b can also be configured to operate using energy stored in the
onboard energy storage system 272 based on determining that the
signal-to-noise ratio is below the threshold such that energy
extraction from the transmissions may result in lossy/noisy data.
The threshold can be determined based on analysis of acceptable
signal quality in the associated network, such as network 65 of
FIG. 1 and/or guided electromagnetic transmission network 100 of
FIG. 2. Thus, simultaneous transmission of electromagnetic signal
and power enables the radio frequency-based repeater 76b to capture
sufficient energy to power itself and boost the signal when the SNR
drops to or falls below a critical value; and further retransmit
the signal at a boosted SNR. The radio frequency-based repeater 76b
can be actively powered when a power source is available or
scavenge low power from energy transmission through the waveguide
202 of FIG. 4.
[0051] The radio frequency-based repeater 76a of FIG. 3 may include
the antenna 260, communication interface 262, memory 264, and
processing unit 266 but exclude the power conditioning circuit 270
and/or onboard energy storage system 272. In high availability
embodiments, the radio frequency-based repeater 76a of FIG. 3 may
include the power conditioning circuit 270 and onboard energy
storage system 272 for backup power support in case of a power
issue with the power source 206 of FIG. 3.
[0052] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the node 68 of FIGS. 3-4
according to an example. The node 68 can include the antenna 260,
communication interface 262, memory 264, processing unit 266, power
conditioning circuit 270 and onboard energy storage system 272 as
previously described with respect to FIG. 5. The node 68 also
includes an input/output interface 280 that can be coupled to one
or more of the effectors 102 and/or sensors 104 of FIG. 2. The
input/output interface 280 can present a wired interface to enable
coupling with existing wire-based devices. In some embodiments, one
or more of the effectors 102 and/or sensors 104 can be integrated
within the node 68. The input/output interface 280 may provide
interfaces for particular types of devices, such as
capacitive-based devices, voltage-based devices, resistive-based
devices, impedance-based devices, current-based devices, and the
like. The processing unit 266 can convert values between the
communication interface 262 and the input/output interface 280 to
support differences in addressing and formatting of data. For
example, the communication interface 262 can be tuned to respond to
a particular frequency or frequencies associated with the node 68.
The processing unit 266 can detect the transmission and enable the
transmission to pass through to the input/output interface 280 or
perform signal conditioning as needed. For instance, the processing
unit 266 may perform digital filtering and use digital-to-analog
and/or analog-to-digital converters as needed to digitally process
analog data.
[0053] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method 300 of
establishing electromagnetic communication through a machine, such
as the gas turbine engine 20 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an
embodiment. The method 300 of FIG. 7 is described in reference to
FIGS. 1-6 and may be performed with an alternate order and include
additional steps. For purposes of explanation, the method 300 is
primarily described in reference to FIG. 1 but can also be
implemented on the guided electromagnetic transmission network 100
of FIG. 2 and other network variations and a variety of
machines.
[0054] At block 301, a network 65 of a plurality of nodes 68a, 68b
can be configured to communicate through a plurality of
electromagnetic signals, where the nodes 68a, 68b are distributed
throughout a machine, such as the gas turbine engine 20. Multiple
nodes 68a, 68b can be used in a complete system 64 to take
advantage of architecture scalability. Each of the nodes 68a, 68b
can be associated with at least one effector 102 or senor 104 of
the gas turbine engine 20. For example, one or more of the nodes
68a, 68b can be located at least one of a fan section 22, a
compressor section 24, a combustor section 26, and/or a turbine
section 28 of the gas turbine engine 20.
[0055] At block 302, a controller 66 can initiate communication
with the network 65 of nodes 68a, 68b through the electromagnetic
signals, such as electromagnetic signals 86. Specific tones can be
used to target desired end-points in the network 65.
[0056] At block 303, transmission of the electromagnetic signals is
confined in a plurality of waveguides 70-73 between the controller
66 and one or more of the nodes 68a, 68b. The waveguides 70-73 can
include a waveguide medium, such as a gas or dielectric. The
waveguide medium can be a fluid used by the machine, such as fuel,
oil or other fluid in the gas turbine engine 20. Alternatively, the
waveguide medium can be an engineered material to support
electromagnetic communication.
[0057] At block 304, a portion of the electromagnetic signals can
be received in a first waveguide 72 of the plurality of waveguides
70-73 at a radio frequency-based repeater 76, where the radio
frequency-based repeater 76 is coupled to at least two of the
waveguides 70-73 in the network 65 between the controller 66 and at
least one of the nodes 68a, 68b.
[0058] At block 305, the radio frequency-based repeater 76 can
boost a transmission characteristic of the portion of the
electromagnetic signals in a second waveguide 73 of the plurality
of waveguides 70-73. The transmission characteristic can include
one or more of a digital signal-to-noise ratio, an analog signal
power level, and a refocused transmission through a directed
antenna, such as antenna 260 of FIG. 5. A transmission path of the
network 65 can be integrally formed in/on a component of the
machine, such as a different section of the gas turbine engine
20.
[0059] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error
associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon
the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For
example, "about" can include a range of .+-.8% or 5%, or 2% of a
given value.
[0060] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a",
"an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well,
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when
used in this specification, specify the presence of stated
features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components,
but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or
groups thereof.
[0061] While the present disclosure has been described with
reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure
without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it
is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present
disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of
the claims.
* * * * *